Page 10 of Hayes

“It keeps happening–”

“I am going to have to insist.” Celeste faced her squarely. “You said yourself that what you and Hayes had was in the past. I made a call to his office and spoke with that uppity assistant of his, and I just received word that he has agreed to an interview.”

Camelia simply stared at the woman. “You went behind my back–”

“I am the owner of this magazine, and even though I am grateful for your very valuable input, the decisions are mine to make. I was the one who offered you a job without reservation- “

“I am more than qualified. You did not do me a favor–”“Of course not, darling!” The woman interjected hastily. “And if that was the impression I gave you, I apologize. It’s just that you have the inside scoop, and you have a way with words.

I read the story about the opening, and it brought me to tears. The way you spun the part about the new artists, had me wanting to learn more.”

Camelia stared at her for a moment, her mind in turmoil. “I will do it.”

Celeste blew out a breath. “Thank you. He is expecting you this afternoon at six. That’s the only time he is available. I am sorry, but when he agreed, I had to say yes immediately.”

Tamping down the irritation and the feeling of being backed into a corner, she schooled her expression. It would not do to have the woman thinking she was pining after her high school sweetheart.

“Very well. I have some things to finish up and I am going to need to prepare for the interview.”

“Of course.” Surging to her feet, Celeste bustled from the room.

Leaning back in the chair, she closed her eyes and tried to quiet her rampaging thoughts. She could do this. She was a professional, and this was her job. She was not going to make it personal.

*****

“Darling, are you sure this is a good idea?” Hillary swept into his office and closed the doors behind her. She had not been to the gallery opening a week ago, but some of her ‘friends’ had been delighted to tell her what happened, including the fact that he had followed her out onto the balcony.

Hayes had not said anything to her, and she knew her son enough to realize that he would not appreciate her repeating what she had heard.

Looking up from the draft he was reading, he stared at her with a frown. “I am due in the conference room–”

“Gretchen was on her way in to tell you that the meeting has been canceled. Apparently, Barry is not feeling well.”

His frown deepened. “Is he going to be alright?”

“His ulcer is acting up.” Sitting down, she crossed her elegant legs and gave him a direct gaze. “You have agreed to meet with her.”

Leaning back in his chair, he shot her a sardonic glance. “You used to be able to call her name without the slightest hesitation.”

“That was before she almost destroyed your life. I treated her like a daughter, and that’s how she repaid us.”

“It’s between Camellia and I, and I have moved on.”

“Have you, dearest? Why were you alone with her at the gallery? Yes, I heard about that from several people who were there. Why would you even want to speak to her after what she did to you?”

“I wanted to find out some things from her. I got my answer and now it’s over.”

She gave him a surprised look. “I was under the impression it was over a long time ago.”

“I needed closure.”

“Simone is a lovely young woman.”

“I am aware.”

“And yet you are dragging your feet. You said you were going to ask her to marry you.”

“I will.”

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